Prickly Pear - also known as opuntia – is becoming increasingly popular as part of the contemporary garden decor. This plant is a member of one of the largest cactus families, and it originally came from the American continent where it grows from Canada all the way down to South America.

The flat pads or stems of the prickly pear cactus have “cushions” from which appear the spines. The cactus also has small barbed bristles called “glochids”. These have barbs and will fasten on-to clothes and skin when the plant is touched. The flowers grow from the areoles at the tips of the pads and have a faint perfume. They are white, yellow, orange, or red, but it will be at least 2-3 years before they appear.

The prickly pear cactus has a variety of uses. The pulp of this cactus is known to help cure body urinary infections and general wounds. Some also argue that prickly pear juice helps to prevent hangovers which occur after the intake of a certain amount of alcohol.

The prickly pear fruit resembles a fig, although you have to take precautions when collecting it as the glochids are very thin and not easy to get rid of if they prick your fingers – and it is rather uncomfortable. Prickly pear jelly is a well known recipe which is very popular in the Southwest.

Included in this family are trees, shrubs and bushes, as well as dwarf forms, so the range of height is great. Prickly pears branch out as they mature and older plants can be fairly broad. They will need a little space around them, especially if they are larger varieties.

Larger types should be planted in a greenhouse. There are many varieties that do not grow more than 40-50cm which are suitable as house plants. Some can be set on outside the house for a great garden decor look, especially in the summer and early autumn months.

Probably the most well known is the large variety Opuntia ficus-indica. Often used as hedging in very warm climates, this is definitely hot a plant for inside the house. The O.brazilienzis rarely grows taller than 20cm. It has shiny, mid-green pads. Others worth considering are O.microdasys, also known as “Bunny Ears”. O.cylindrica makes clumps of a tall column shape, and O.ovata, grows to about 30cm.

You will find that the taller opuntia varieties grow and flower best when left to grow freely as solitary plants.

From December to February the prickly pear needs to be cool but with as much light as possible. It can stay in one room all year round but you must adjust the amount of water depending on the room’s temperature. If it is in a cool position wait until the plant wrinkles slightly before you water it. Pour off any excess water that remains in the saucer.

From March to June. If the plant was moved to a cool place in winter, now is the time to re-position it in a warmer place. Gradually increase water as the temperature increases. Put it in full sunlight if possible.

From July to August. Move the cactus outside for the summer and to become a beautiful part of your garden decor. Place it in a warm sunny spot, where excess rain water can drain away easily. Do not stand the pot directly on top of garden soil. Worms and soil pests will find their way into the pot. Feed with a liquid fertilizer and water moderately every 7-14 days.

From September up to November move the plant indoors. Later on, to a cool room for the winter. Cut down on watering until November when you can stop watering.

Sow seeds at any time of year but germination can be slow (up to 1 year) and temperature of 21-26 degrees centigrade. It is simpler to make new plants by taking cuttings. Use a sharp knife and wrap a piece of cloth around the prickly stem you are cutting. Let the shoot dry out for a few days. This allows cut surface to callus over.

Plant in a specialist cactus potting mixture. Keep them out of the sun and slightly moist.

Usually undemanding but see that you do not over-water it during the winter. You can trim off any unattractive or damaged parts. Buy a special cactus potting mixture and if you mix your own, use soil-based potting mix, humus and add sand. Repot young plants every year but do not disturb older plants unless they cover the pot from side to side. Water moderately in spring and summer, allowing the compost to dry out between waterings. Water more frequently if the cactus shrivels. Do not water in winter.

Young plants need feeding every 14 days and older plants two to three times during the whole summer.

Unfortunately, the flowers of the prickly pear are very short-lived although extremely attractive. They grow in in yellow, bright orange and red color. Pay attention when your prickly pear cactus blossoms as the plants will look rather spectacular around your garden decking, patio or conservatory. After the flowers die down, the prickly pear fruit develops which also look astoningly beautiful. As we saw before, most are edible.

They can be bought at all times of the year .To choose from a wide range it is often necessary to contact a specialist cactus nursery. Make sure your plant is well anchored in the pot and that there are no dark spots or signs of damage on the stem pads. Dwarf forms of prickly pear will live happily indoors for many, many years!